Ming

Originally released on Black Saint, Ming represents a major watershed moment in modern jazz. At just 25 years old, tenor saxophonist and bass clarinetist David Murray had already established himself as a fierce soloist, but Ming revealed him as a brilliant composer-arranger. To bring his complex, vibrant charts to life, Murray assembled a legendary all-star ensemble: cornetist Butch Morris, trumpeter Olu Dara, trombonist George Lewis, altoist/flutist Henry Threadgill, pianist Anthony Davis, bassist Wilber Morris, and drummer Steve McCall. The album strikes a perfect balance between intricate structural arranging and explosive free-jazz ensemble energy. The program opens with the high-octane frenzy of "The Fast Life," moves into the mournful yet soaring solos of "The Hill," and features George Lewis's soulful trombone work on the ballad title track "Ming." From the swinging jazz waltz "Jasvan" to the menacing strut of "Dewey's Circle," every track showcases the extraordinary synergy of this historic group. Widely regarded as one of David Murray's finest achievements, Ming stands as an essential 1980s avant-garde jazz recording. Ming will be reissued on CD and 180g One-step Pressing Transparent Vinyl LP (numbered & limited 1,000 pcs) with new liner notes as part of the Gems For Jazz Heads series.